With Altum, Derin Zanbak transforms the art of networking into a ritual of connection, culture, and confidence — one curated experience at a time.
In a world where modern women are often expected to juggle careers, personal lives, and everything in between, finding a space where they can truly be themselves and grow professionally can feel impossible. Enter Derin Zanbak, the founder of Altum Community, a private networking hub designed to help women connect, thrive, and succeed, all while maintaining balance in their lives.
Derin’s Journey to Building Altum
Derin’s path to founding Altum was neither easy nor conventional. A young woman who moved to Paris with no connections and no prior experience in building a social platform, Derin faced the same challenges many ambitious women encounter. But rather than giving in to the pressure, she turned these struggles into purpose, creating something more than just a business, a platform that would change how women network and build meaningful connections.
Altum became her answer to the question so many women face: how do we succeed without losing ourselves? More than a business, it is a reflection of Derin’s philosophy — that true empowerment lies in connection, balance, and elegance. Today, through Altum, she brings women together across Paris to share ideas, experiences, and moments of calm amid the chaos of modern ambition.
A Vision for Women Who Want More
Altum Community was born from Derin’s desire to offer women an experience that went beyond traditional, transactional networking. “Networking shouldn’t be just about exchanging business cards,” Derin says, reflecting on her own experiences. “It should be about forming genuine connections, supporting each other, and finding opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally.”
That vision led her to create a space where ambition and balance coexist, allowing women to flourish in their careers while also taking care of their well-being. Altum curates experiences that blend professional development with wellness, cultural engagement, and leisure, offering women the chance to connect in a more meaningful, holistic way.
From Challenges to a Community of Growth
When Derin first arrived in Paris, she faced the challenges of being an outsider in an unfamiliar city, without the support of a strong network. The isolation was tough, but it was also enlightening. “I realized that many women face similar challenges. We often move to new places, start new jobs, or face transitions, and we don’t have the support or opportunities to build the connections we need. I wanted to change that.”
This realization sparked the creation of Altum. What began as a personal solution to her own struggles evolved into a fully-fledged community for women who want to balance professional growth with personal fulfillment. Over time, Derin has gathered feedback from members who have found value in their involvement, helping to shape Altum into a space where growth and meaningful connections are prioritized.
Photographer: Ria Kwon
MUA: Lenny Bonnet
Derin’s determination was key to building Altum from the ground up. Despite the challenges, her commitment to supporting women kept her focused on creating a platform that serves as both a professional network and a space for self-care. “It’s about having it all, but on your own terms,” she explains. “Women don’t need to sacrifice their well-being for success, and they don’t need to choose between ambition and balance.”
What Sets Altum Apart
Unlike traditional networking platforms, Altum is not solely about business connections. It’s about cultivating a community where women can feel inspired, supported, and empowered in both their professional and personal lives. This commitment to holistic growth sets Altum apart from other networks.
The selective nature of Altum’s membership ensures that each connection is meaningful and authentic. “Our members aren’t just seeking business opportunities, they are looking for quality connections that can help them grow in every area of their lives,” Derin says. “At Altum, we strive to create an environment where members can truly be themselves.”
Curated events, wellness activities, and cultural experiences lie at the heart of what Altum offers. Whether it’s a wellness retreat designed to recharge the mind and body or an elegant dinner gathering focused on meaningful professional discussions, every Altum experience is designed to foster connection while also honoring the need for balance and relaxation.
A New Approach to Leadership
Altum’s success reflects a broader shift in how women approach leadership and personal growth. Gone are the days when women had to choose between their professional ambitions and their well-being. Today’s women, like Derin, are reshaping the narrative by creating spaces that reflect their values, spaces that are empowering, inclusive, and supportive.
Derin’s leadership style, rooted in empathy and authenticity, is reflected in how Altum operates. She’s not simply building a business; she’s creating a legacy of empowerment. As a young woman who faced significant challenges herself, she is driven by a belief that women should not have to face their struggles alone. Altum’s community embodies this belief, where support is not just a business principle, but a way of life.
The Future of Altum
Looking ahead, Derin Zanbak is committed to expanding Altum’s reach and impact, both in Paris and internationally. As networking continues to evolve, Altum stands at the forefront of redefining how women connect, collaborate, and succeed — not just professionally, but holistically. Though founded as a community for women, its inclusive spirit embraces diversity, creating a space where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive through shared experiences, mentorship, and genuine connection.
For Derin, the future is about growth — not only for Altum as a global platform but also for the women who are part of it. “Our community is about providing the support and opportunities women need to thrive,” she explains. “It’s about creating a place where women don’t just survive, but truly succeed — with balance, elegance, and joy.” By blending ambition with self-care, Altum stands as a modern beacon for women who want more: not only from their careers, but from their entire lives.
